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Heavy Equipment Technical Specialist

Position Description

The Heavy Equipment Technical Specialist is responsible for providing heavy/logging equipment technical assistance to Incident Management Teams (IMT) and Agency Administrators.  The Heavy Equipment Technical Specialist will report to the Operations Section.

Duties:

  • Provides expert knowledge (equipment capability, cost, and site affects) of heavy equipment use in various fuel types, soil types, and slopes.
  • Reviews incident needs and discusses any special procedures or potential problems with the Unit Leaders.
  • Provides assistance and guidance to Operations, Plans, and Logistics by applying a high skill level to matters pertaining to the use and transport of heavy equipment.
  • Interprets minimum standards and assists in resolving issues pertaining to equipment standards and the safe operation of this equipment.
  • Coordinates and assists the Operations, Safety, and Logistics personnel with the operational requirements of the equipment, as well as the most efficient use of the equipment.
  • Works with the Incident Contract Project Inspector to assist in resolving issues within the scope of the agreement.
  • Briefs Operations, Safety, and Logistics personnel on current and potential problems and provides recommendations in order to alleviate issues.
  • Acts as a liaison officer between local forest industry resources, Agency Administrator(s), and the Incident Commander.

Requirements

  • Successful completion of a light work capacity test and RT-130, Fireline Safety Refresher (if assigned to incident camps and/or fireline)
  • If this position is not assigned to an incident camp, then no fitness or RT-130 requirements.
  • Individuals meeting the qualifications of the Heavy Equipment Technical Specialist position normally have a minimum of 10 years of work experience regarding safe and efficient use of heavy equipment.

Personnel that are currently employed in the local wood products industry and foresters are a good source for personnel that may meet these requirements.

 

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date:  March 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended), 2026 course is now available.

This training includes performance-based activities that allow students to apply the knowledge and concepts required for the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) positions. It supports individuals working towards these incident qualifications.

This blended course begins with a self-paced online training (OLT) in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP), followed by an in-person instructor-led training (ILT).

References:

S-490, Advanced Fire Calculations (Blended)

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN) Position Page

NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) Position Page

2024 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  March 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Justin Baxter, National Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations Specialist, with the U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Kelly Woods, Director of the Wildland Firefighting Lessons Learned Center — Mentoring and Teamwork
  • Doug Booster, Instructor, ProHealth Net, Inc. — Motivation and Vision
  • Pam McDonald, Writer-Editor for the National Interagency Fire Center — Lifetime Achievement Award

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Committee

NEW! S-231, Engine Boss Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) incident qualifications. 

This is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of ENGB responsibilities during wildland fire operations, emphasizing readiness, information gathering, risk management, engine tactics, and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) operations. Trainees apply these skills through scenario-based group work and an optional field day that reinforces hands-on engine operation tasks. 

References:

S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Instructor-led)

NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Celebrates 50 Years!

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Executive Secretary

NWCG is proud to celebrate 50 years of service to the wildland fire community. Beginning in 1976 with an interagency agreement between the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture, NWCG has grown to include additional member agencies and is recognized as the standard-setting leader in wildland fire operations.

To honor where we’ve been and highlight where we are going, the NWCG team has created a video showcasing our history and accomplishments. The video is now available on the NWCG website.

References:

NWCG 50 Year Anniversary Video